Variable flow spray system

ABSTRACT

An improved method and apparatus for brewing a brewing substance. The apparatus including a liquid conduit ( 18 ) for supplying a brewing liquid, a liquid permeable container ( 28 ) for retaining the brewing substance and allowing the brewed liquid to pass through, a spray member ( 20 ) for delivering the brewing liquid from the liquid conduit to a brewing substance and discharging the brewing liquid into the liquid permeable container, a liquid flow modifier ( 52 ) for varying the flow rate of liquid at the spray member, and a control member ( 44 ) operably connected to the liquid flow modifying member for causing the liquid flow modifying member to vary the liquid flow rate. The alteration of the discharge of the liquid from at least a first spray pattern to at least a second spray pattern facilitating mixing of the brewing liquid and brewing substance within the liquid permeable container.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a beverage brewing apparatus and moreparticularly to systems and apparatus for brewing beverages.

A variety of brewing apparatus are available which employ a device fordispensing heated water over a quantity of beverage brewing substance.The beverage brewing substance is typically retained in a filter portionof a funnel. The filter portion allows a beverage to be drained from thebeverage brewing substance infused with the heated water.

A variety of devices, for example, coffee brewers, perform the beveragebrewing function as described herein above. Such brewers use a sprayhead to dispense or shower water in a spray pattern over the beveragebrewing substance retained within the filter in the funnel. One aspectof the spray head that might be considered a problem is that the sprayhead typically produces a spray pattern. The spray pattern tends toconcentrate the shower of water or wet only specific areas of thebeverage brewing substance. If the spent coffee grounds in the funnel isinspected at the end of a beverage brewing cycle, one can see the spraypattern in the spent grounds. In other words, once all of the liquid hasdrained from the beverage brewing substance at the end of a brew cycle aspray pattern can be seen in the spent beverage brewing substance.

One of the problems that is encountered with such a spray head is thatthe saturation and infusion of the ground coffee may be inconsistent.The inconsistency results from the spray head producing a series ofstreams which are emitted through holes in the spray head. The streamstend to spray on a specific area of the beverage brewing substance. As aresult, the area impacted by a specific stream may tend to be oversaturated whereas the area spaced away from the impact point of thestream may be under saturated. As a result, the area that is oversaturated may also result in over extraction from the beverage brewingsubstance. Similarly, the area which is under saturated will tend toresult in an under extraction from such areas. While the amount ofbeverage brewing substance can be adjusted for a given quantity ofbeverage to be brewed, it would be desirable to optimize the extractionfrom all areas of the beverage brewing substance within the funnel.

Some prior art devices have attempted to overcome this extractionproblem. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,035 employs a device forrotating the funnel about a central axis in order to attempt to causethe beverage brewing substance to move within the funnel. As such, thisdevice tries to equalize the saturation of the beverage brewingsubstance within the funnel. One of the problems with this device isthat it tends to be rather complicated and employs additionalcontrollable and moving parts. For example, some form of driver must beprovided in order to rotate the funnel. Such a driver may becomecontaminated with beverage brewing substance, water or residue from thebrewing process. Additionally, since it is at the user interface, thefunnel is engaged with the brewer by the user and may become damagedthrough wear and use.

The prior art devices tend to deliver heated water to the beveragebrewing substance to saturate the beverage brewing substance. During thebrewing cycle the beverage brewing substance floats within the funneland the water drains therethrough. In other words, the beverage brewingsubstance particles or grounds are saturated with water and theresultant beverage brewing substance including the soluble particles andflavor characteristics are rinsed from the cell structure of thebeverage brewing substance.

The prior art may not optimize the rinsing of the flavor characteristicsfrom the cell structure of the beverage brewing substance since thegrounds typically float up and down and are not agitated.

The present disclosure embodies a system and apparatus for causing avariable flow from the spray head to more evenly saturate the beveragebrewing substance. Generally, the spray pattern produced by the sprayhead is fixed. In other words, the spray head is provided with a numberof holes through which water is emitted. The pattern of these holesgenerally is not alterable during a brewing cycle. Also, generally, theflow rate is fixed. In other words, the rate at which water flowsthrough the given diameter of the tubing connecting a reservoir to thespray head is fixed. Further, the flow rate of water into the reservoirwhich is used to displace water for use in the brewing process is alsogenerally fixed. In other words, the line pressure feeding the reservoirand diameter of the conduits connected to the reservoir are fixed.

The present disclosure causes the spray pattern and flow to vary orpulse the water which results in penetrating the beverage brewingsubstance over a larger area. The disclosure tends to agitate or movethe beverage brewing substance within the floating mass to create a moreeven saturation of the beverage brewing substance. As a result, a moreconsistent brewed product may be produced. One of the primary goals inbrewing is to obtain a uniform extraction from the brewing substance.The present invention helps to maintain, optimize and providereproducible beverage brewing.

As such, the present disclosure provides an apparatus and system foroptimizing a desired extraction of brewed beverage from a beveragebrewing substance.

The present disclosure also obtains a homogeneous, generally evenextraction of solubles from the beverage brewing substance and thereforeprovides greater uniformity of desired flavor characteristics.

The present disclosure also avoids over extraction of some portions ofthe beverage brewing substance and under extraction in other portions ofthe beverage brewing substance within a given funnel during a givenbrewing cycle.

As such, it would be desirable to provide a system which would allow forthe movement or agitation of the beverage brewing substance within thefunnel without providing any control or operating elements at the userinterface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial fragmentary, diagrammatic illustration of a beveragebrewing substance of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of a top plan view of a beveragebrewing funnel taken along line 2—2 in FIG. 1 showing a spray pattern inthe beverage brewing substance;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic illustration showing the variation in the spraypattern and the resultant agitation of beverage brewing substance causedthereby;

FIG. 4 is a partial fragmentary diagrammatic illustration similar tothat as shown in FIG. 1, illustrating an alternate embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIGS. 5–8 show additional embodiments of the disclosed variable flowspray system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT

The present disclosure is generally shown in the diagrammaticrepresentation of FIG. 1 a beverage brewing apparatus or system 10. Thebeverage brewing apparatus 10 includes a heated water reservoir 12 whichis connected to an water inlet feed line 14. The beverage brewingapparatus 10 dispenses heated water 16 from the reservoir 12 through anoutlet line 18. The outlet line 18 includes a spray head 20 on the endthereof which produces a shower or spray of water therefrom in a patternas determined by a plurality of openings 22 formed in the spray headwall. The water is delivered to a beverage brewing substance 24 retainedwithin a filter 26 contained within a brewing funnel 28. During abrewing cycle, heated water 16 is dispensed onto the beverage brewingsubstance 24 (herein referred to as “coffee” or “grounds”) therebysaturating the coffee. The terms “brewing,” “brewed substance,” “brewingliquid,” or “brewed liquid” as used herein are broadly defined asincluding the brewing of coffee or tea as well as any process ofinfusion, steeping or passing a liquid (brewing liquid) through ormixing with a particulate substance (brewing material), for example,freeze dried coffee, to obtain a liquid containing soluble material fromthe particulate substance (brewed liquid). When brewing coffee, forexample, a liquid beverage 30 is produced by the infusion process of thewater saturating the coffee which flows from a drain hole 32 in thefunnel 28. The brewed beverage 30 is dispensed into a carafe 34positioned below the funnel 28.

The foregoing description of a beverage brewing apparatus 10 is similarto those commonly referred to as a displacement or pour-over brewingapparatus. Assignee of the present invention has produced numerousembodiments of such brewing apparatus. Such brewing apparatus mayinclude a vent line 36 which communicates with the heated waterreservoir 12 to vent the upper portion 38 of the reservoir 12 throughthe vent line 36 to atmosphere. Some existing devices position the ventline 36 to communicate with the funnel 28 in the event of an overflowthrough the vent line 36. In an overflow condition, water flowingthrough the vent line 36 would then be dispensed into the funnel 28.

As shown in the present disclosure, an inlet solenoid 40 is coupled tothe inlet feed line 14 to controllably introduce and stop the flow ofwater from the feed line 14 into the reservoir 12. A water level probe42 is positioned in a heated water reservoir 12 to detect a level ofwater 62 contained therein. The water level probe 42 will be describedin greater detail and its function in relation to the overall systemherein below. A controller 44 is provided to receive a signal from awater level probe 42 and to control the inlet solenoid 40. The inletsolenoid 40 is connected to the controller 44 over line 41. The probe 42is connected to the controller 44 over line 43.

The controller 44 is coupled to at least one switch 46 which is used toinitiate the brewing cycle. The brewing cycle initiating switch 46 maybe in the form of a controllable switch such as a toggle switch orpressure sensitive switch. It is contemplated that other forms ofcontrolling the start and stop of a brew cycle may be devised by onethat is skilled in the art. The present invention is not limited by thetype of switch employed. Also, a controllable solenoid 48 is coupled tothe outlet line 18 so as to control the flow of water therethrough. Thesolenoid 48 is connected to the controller 44 over line 50.

The present invention also includes a controllable vent solenoid 52which is connected to the controller 44 over line 54. The controllablesolenoid 52 is normally open so as to provide the venting function ofthe vent line 36 communicating with the heated water reservoir 12. Inthe normally opened condition, the atmosphere in the upper portion 38 ofthe reservoir 12 can be vented through the vent line 36 and through thesolenoid 52. The venting to the atmosphere equalizes the pressure in theheated water reservoir 12.

During operation of the beverage brewing apparatus 10, a filter 26 suchas a disposable paper coffee filter is positioned in the funnel 28. Acharge of beverage brewing substance 24 is positioned within the filter26. The funnel is then positioned relative to the beverage brewingapparatus 10 generally removably attaching it to a housing portion 58 ofthe apparatus 10. The attachment of a funnel 28 to the housing 58positions the funnel in a location generally, directly positioned belowthe spray head 20. Also, the funnel is positioned relative to an outlet60 of the vent line 36.

When a brewing cycle is initiated, the switch 46 is activated therebysending a signal over line 47 to the controller 44. The controller 44will actuate the inlet solenoid 40 to allow water to flow through theinlet feed line 14 to the reservoir 12. The level sensing probe 42detects the condition of a water level 62 in the reservoir 12. Also, theoutlet solenoid 48 is opened by the controller 44 to allow heated water16 to flow from the reservoir 12 through the outlet line 18 to the sprayhead 20. Generally, the outlet solenoid 48 remains open throughout thebeverage brewing cycle.

The probe 42 works in conjunction with a conductive portion or coupling45 which may be in the form of a specific point on the reservoir 12 or,in the event of a suitable metallic reservoir a conductive contact onthe reservoir 12. The conductive point 45 contacts the water 16 so thata circuit may be completed between the probe 42 and the contact 45. Whenwater 16 contacts the conductive probe 42, the circuit between the probe42 and the contact 45 is completed. This condition indicates that asuitable level of water is in the reservoir. When the probe 42 no longercontacts water 16 in the reservoir 12 the circuit between the probe 42and contact 45 is broken providing a signal to the controller that thewater no longer contacts the probe 42.

The probe 42 and contact 45 do not detect the level of water but rather,merely detect the absence or presence of water at the probe 42.

The inlet feed line 14 is pressurized and as such provides water to thereservoir 12 when the inlet solenoid 40 is open. As water flows throughthe reservoir 12 through the outlet line 18 the water level 62 tends tolower. When the water 16 no longer contacts probe 42 the probe 42 sendsa signal to the controller 44. The controller 44 then responds byopening the inlet solenoid 40 to allow water to enter the reservoir 12.As water enters reservoir 12 the level 62 tends to rise. When watercontacts the probe 42 the inlet solenoid 40 is closed thereby ceasingthe flow of water into the reservoir 12.

Through the opening and closing of the inlet solenoid 40 over a periodof time identified as the brew cycle and through sensing the level ofthe water in the reservoir 12 the controller 44 can approximate thequantity or volume of water dispensed through outlet valve 48, throughthe outlet line 18 through the spray head 20. As a result, a desiredvolume of water can be dispensed from the reservoir 12 to the beveragebrewing substance 24.

As noted above, the prior art systems tend to not optimize theextraction of coffee solids or flavor characteristics from a beveragebrewing substance for coffee. The present invention employs theapparatus as described hereinabove as well as controlling the apparatusin a novel way in order to increase the controlled extraction of flavorsolids from the ground coffee.

During a beverage brewing process the outlet solenoid 48 is opened. Avolume of water 68 in the reservoir 12 above the outlet line 18 definesa head of water. When the outlet solenoid 48 is opened the head 68 tendsto push water through the outlet line 18 under the force of gravity. Assuch, once the outlet solenoid 48 is opened water flows from thereservoir 12 through the outlet line 18. When the water 16 no longercontacts probe 42 the inlet solenoid 40 is opened thereby raising thelevel of water 62 in the reservoir 12. The beverage brewing cyclecontinues through the on and off cycle of the inlet solenoid 40 inresponse to the conductivity or lack of conductivity sensed at the probe42. The outlet solenoid 48 generally stays open during the brew cycle.

During the brew cycle the apparatus and system of the present inventionoperatively controls a flow modifier 92 which, in the embodiment shownin FIG. 1, includes a solenoid vent valve 52 to control the spraypattern 70 emitted from the spray head 20. The purpose of the “ventvalve” is to start, stop and/or regulate the flow of gas or air throughthe vent line 36 to control the pressure within the reservoir 12, outletline 18, and spray head 20 which increases or decreases the flow rate atthe spray head 20. The term “vent valve” as used herein may include anumber of other well known valve structures combined with an actuatorincluding, but not limited to, ball valves, butterfly valves, gatevalves, globe valves, or flapper valves. Also, the “vent valve” mayconstitute a deforming member located at a flexible portion of the ventline 36 similar to the occluding device 102 shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 4 and described below. Further, these alternate “vent valves” maybe actuated by other well known actuating devices, such as pneumatic orhydraulic actuators, rather than by a solenoid. The spray pattern 70 hasan initial pattern 72 and can be controlled to decrease the radius ofthe pattern defining an inner spray pattern 74 and increased to definean outer spray pattern 76. The outer spray pattern 76 and inner spraypattern 74 are achieved as described in greater detail herein below.

During the brewing cycle when the inlet solenoid 40 is closed or “off”the vent solenoid 52 can be controlled to a closed position therebycausing a narrowing or inner spray pattern 74. When the inlet solenoid40 is opened, in other words the refill cycle is “on” the vent solenoid52 can be controlled to a closed position to expand the pattern to theouter spray pattern 76. By alternating cycles of the inlet solenoid 40open and closed and controllably altering the vent solenoid 52 open andclosed the spray pattern 70 changes from an inner spray pattern 74 to anouter spray pattern 76. This alteration of the spray pattern 70 tends tocreate an oscillation, wave, or stirring action within the coffeegrounds suspended in the water in the funnel 20.

With reference to FIG. 2, a top plan view of infusion assembly 90 isshown in which the spray patterns 72, 74, 76 emitted from the spray head20 are diagrammatically illustrated. As can be seen, the spray patterntends to move radially inwardly and outwardly relative to the initialspray pattern 72. With further reference to FIG. 3, it can be seen thatthe direction of flow of the spray pattern tends to cause the turbulenceor undulation within the coffee suspended in the water. In this regard,the system can be configured to cause the outer spray pattern 76 tospray along a wall 80 of the funnel and filter to wash the groundsthereon inwardly and to stir from the outer perimeter of the groundssuspended in the water.

As the pattern is changed from the outer spray pattern 76 to the initialspray pattern 72 the flow can create a wave like pattern to flow thegrounds inwardly towards the center of the quantity of grounds suspendedin the water. As the pattern continues to change to an inner spraypattern 74 the pattern tends to be a more downwardly flow therebycausing agitation in the grounds. The pattern will flow outwardly andinwardly as controlled by the controller 44 which operates the ventsolenoid 52. The contraction and expansion of the spray patterns 72, 74,76 tends to stir or move the particles in the ground coffee bed orbeverage brewing substance 24.

By moving the beverage brewing substance 24 around in the volume ofwater in which it is suspended more contact can be made with theindividual particles thereby facilitating driving out or rinsing morecoffee solids from each of the particles. Additionally, the mixing ofthe water or infusing of the brewing substance is more uniform creatinga more homogeneous resultant brewed beverage 30.

The operation of the present invention can be configured so that thechanges in pattern are somewhat gradual thereby preventing sloshing oruncontrolled wave action within the funnel. This may be used so as toprevent spilling from the funnel. The gradual flow also helps tofacilitate movement of the slurry of particles in the water. Alterationof the pattern preferably occurs several times throughout a beveragebrewing cycle thereby helping to facilitate thorough mixing andagitation of the brewing substance.

The turbulence helps facilitate generating agitating action andcirculating the coffee through the water. This exposes more coffee tomore water, getting more water through the cell structure of each coffeeground or particle thereby extracting more coffee solids from eachcoffee particle. It is possible that the present invention may helpreduce the quantity of brewing substance required to obtain a brewedbeverage having desired flavor characteristics or profile. This isbecause the present invention tends to reduce over extraction of certainareas or clusters of ground coffee particles and prevents underextraction of other clusters of ground coffee particles.

It is anticipated that the teachings of the present invention could alsobe used with a gravity fed water system as well as the pressurized watersystem as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. In this regard, prior art devices havebeen developed in which a basin is positioned above the reservoir tomaintain a quantity of water to be used in the brewing process. Such anapparatus is shown generally in U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,714 issued Jun. 25,1991 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,113,752 issued May 19, 1992, both of which areassigned to the assignee of the present invention. Further, additionalgravity fed water systems are further illustrated in the embodiments ofFIGS. 7–8 below.

In such apparatus, a basin is positioned generally above the reservoirand coupled to the reservoir by a feed tube. The feed tube delivers theinlet water to the reservoir. An inlet solenoid can be attached to thefeed tube to control the inflow of water in the manner as shown in thepresent invention. As a result, the feed basin and feed tubeconfiguration can be considered an equivalent of the pressurized feedline 14 and inlet solenoid 40.

Additionally, it is anticipated that the beverage brewing substance 24shown in the figures might also be provided in the form of apre-packaged pouch of coffee. In this regard, pre-packaged pouches ofcoffee have been used in brewing funnels 28 to replace the filterstructure 26 (such as a metal mesh or a disposable paper filter) andbrewing substance 24. Such a pouch of coffee eliminates the need forindividual filter papers 26 and measuring of the beverage brewingsubstance 24. By providing a pre-packaged, pre-measured pouch of coffeeof which the pouch is a filter material, it is possible to furtherincrease the consistency of the resultant brewed beverage. This isbecause the volume of ground coffee and type of filter can becontrolled. However, it should be considered for purposes of the presentinvention such pre-packaged pouch of coffee are equivalents of opendisposable filter papers and manually measured quantities of beveragebrewing substance of coffee 24.

The present invention includes a beverage brewing substance apparatus 10and an infusion assembly 90. The infusion assembly 90 is positionedrelative to a portion of the brewing apparatus 10. Heated water 16 isretained in a reservoir 12. An inlet water line 14 communicates with thereservoir 12 for introducing water to the reservoir 12. An outlet line18 communicates with the reservoir 12 and the infusion assembly 90 fordelivering heated water 16 to the infusion assembly 90. A flow modifier92 is provided and is operatively associated with the apparatus 10 formodifying the outlet flow of heated water flowing through the outletline 18. The infusion assembly 90 includes the funnel 28, filter 26 forreceiving a charge of beverage brewing substance 24. The flow modifier92 as shown in FIG. 1 includes at least the vent line 36 and ventsolenoid 52 and may preferably include inlet feed line 14 and inletsolenoid 40.

In use, in the embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, closing of the ventsolenoid 52 prevents the flow of air through vent line 36. As a result,when the inlet solenoid 40 is opened pressurized water flows through theinlet feed line 14 into the reservoir 12. The only path through whichthe water can flow is through the outlet line 18. If the maximumcapacity of the outlet line 18 is already met, the continuedintroduction of water through the feed line 14 may pressurize orcompress the atmosphere in the upper portion 38 of the reservoir 12 andthe vent line 36 communicating therewith. This will tend to pressurizethe water flowing from the spray head 20 thereby increasing or expandingthe radial dimension of the spray pattern producing outer spray pattern76.

When the vent solenoid 52 is closed and the inlet solenoid 40 is closed,the outflow of water through the outlet line 18 will tend to decrease asthe level of water in the reservoir 12 drops. As a result, there will bea gradual shift from the outer spray pattern 70 towards the inner spraypattern 74. The change in the spray pattern 70 from spray pattern 76 tospray pattern 74 tends to cause a movement of the coffee and liquidretained within the infusion assembly 90. In other words, the dispersionpattern can be altered while it is emitted from the fixed pattern ofholes 22 in the spray head 20. The dispersion pattern will change as aresult of the change in pressure of the water emitted from the sprayhead 20 or the rate of liquid flow at the spray head 20. Themodification of the dispersion pattern tends to agitate the water andbrewing substance 24 within assembly 90.

The embodiment as shown in FIG. 1 considers a method of brewing abeverage. Under this method, an infusion assembly 90 is provided for usewith a beverage brewing apparatus 10. The infusion assembly 90 receivesa charge of brewing substance 24 and is positioned relative to a sprayhead 20. A controller 44 is provided and is operated to open and closevalves which communicate with a heated water reservoir 12 in response tothe sensing of conductivity or absence of conductivity at probe 42. Themethod uses selectively modifying a water dispensing pattern 70 of waterdispensed from the water distribution assembly for at least one ofexpanding and contracting the dispensing pattern 70 from the spray head20. The method further includes operatively controlling the opening andclosing of a vent solenoid 52 communicating with a vent line 36 attachedto and communicating with the reservoir 12. The method also includes thestep of controlling the inlet solenoid 40 to control the introduction ofwater through an inlet feed line 14.

Having described the embodiment of FIG. 1, we turn to the embodiment asshown in FIG. 4. Reference to portions of the illustration in FIG. 4which are substantially similar to, the equivalent of, or identical tothose shown in FIG. 1 will be referred to by the same reference numberwith the addition of an alphabetic suffix. For example, the beveragebrewing apparatus is referred to as “10 a” in the embodiment as shown inFIG. 4.

As shown in FIG. 4, a second embodiment of the apparatus 10 a is shown.The apparatus 10 a includes a vent line 36 a which dispenses into anoverflow container 100. Because of the orientation of the vent line 36 adispensing into the container 100 it is not desirable to provide thesame flow modifier 92 as shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, analternate flow modifier 92 a is coupled to the outlet line 18 a. Theother components as described hereinabove in the present apparatus 10 aare similar if not identical to those as shown and described in FIG. 1.

With reference to FIG. 4, the flow modifier 92 a can be provided in avariety of forms. Similar to the flow modifier 92 of FIG. 1, the purposeof the flow modifier 92 a of the embodiment of FIG. 4 is to regulate theflow rate of liquid within the outlet line 18 a and at the spray head 20a. Outlet line 18 a includes at least a portion formed of a flexible andresilient member such as plastic or silicone tubing 101. The tubing 101extends through an occluding device 102 such as a gate or other devices.Such an occluding device 102 is connected to the controller 44 over line104. The occluding device 102 operates to squeeze or partially occludethe flexible portion 101 of outlet line 18 a. By partially occluding thetube 101, the spray pattern can be pulsed to narrow or draw in the spraypattern 70. This operating system does not tend to produce the outwarddirected spray pattern but, as described hereinbelow, adjustments can bemade to achieve a desired result. While the flexible member 101 andoccluding device are the preferred flow modifier for the embodiment ofFIG. 4, it is contemplated that a variety of conventional valves andvalve actuators of the type described above for FIG. 1 may be used tocontrol the flow rate at the spray head 20 a.

Since the alternate embodiment is shown in FIG. 4 does not generallyproduce the outer spray pattern 76 as shown in FIG. 1, the system has tobe configured slightly differently. In the alternate embodiment 10 a asshown in FIG. 4, the parameters of the spray head are adjusted so theinitial spray pattern 72 a is adjusted to contact the outer edge 108 ofthe filter 26. The adjustment is made so as to wash coffee grounds awayfrom the filter while not collapsing an upper rim 106 of the paperfilter 26. In this configuration, when the occluding device 102 at leastpartially occludes the outlet line 18 a, the pattern 70 a tends to bedrawn inwardly. As such the flow modifier 92 a of the alternateembodiment as shown in FIG. 4 produces turbulence or agitating action ofthe ground beverage brewing substance 24 in the water. Once theoccluding device 102 releases the flexible portion 101 of the outletline 18 a, the pattern flows from the inner pattern 74 a to the initialor outer pattern 72 a.

As noted above, the remaining features, structures and functions of thealternate embodiment as shown in FIG. 4 are generally the same,identical or equivalent to those as shown and described hereinabove withregard to FIG. 1. In a like manner, the operation of the method of thealternate embodiment is similar, equivalent or identical to that asdescribed hereinabove with regard to FIG. 1 with the exception of theabsence of the vent solenoid 52. In this regard, the occluding device102 is operated in the manner of the vent solenoid 52. As such, the flowmodifier 92 as described in FIG. 1 is similar, equivalent or identicalto the flow modifier of 92 a as shown and described with reference toFIG. 4.

FIG. 5 illustrates yet another embodiment of the invention in which theinlet 14 and inlet solenoid 40 of FIG. 4 are replaced with an alternateinlet arrangement 14 b and inlet solenoids 40 b and 40 c. Except for theother differing features noted below, the embodiment of FIG. 5 isgenerally the same as that of FIG. 4 in its other aspects. Inlet 14 b issplit into a pair of pressurized inlet lines 56 b and 56 c which arepreferably equipped with flow restrictors 64 and 65. The flowrestrictors 64 and 65 are calibrated and selected to provide a firstlower flow rate at the inlet 57 c and a second higher flow rate at theinlet 57 b. Control lines 41 b and 41 c are provided between thecontroller 44 and inlet solenoids 40 b and 40 c to control the pressureat inlets 57 b and 57 c. By controlling the flow rate at the inlets 57 band 57 c, the pressure within the closed reservoir and the depth orheight of the head 68 within the reservoir 16 can be controlled. In thisway, a variety of flow rates and spray patterns can be generated toensure thorough mixing of the brewed substance.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the reservoir is preferably a closed systemin which the only outlet is outlet 18. Accordingly, overflow container100 of FIG. 4 must be sealed from the atmosphere. Preferably, in theembodiment of FIG. 5, the occluding device 102 shown in the embodimentof FIG. 4 may be eliminated since the multiple control valves aresufficient to vary the flow rate.

In operation, the flow rate at the spray head 20 a is controlled bysending signals from controller 44 to inlet solenoids 40 b and 40 cwhich add pressurized liquid at inlets 57 b and 57 c. Upon initiation ofthe brewing cycle, liquid flow to the spray head 22 at a first, higherflow rate upon actuation of inlet solenoid 40 c. This results in alarger, outer spray pattern. After a predetermined time period, inletsolenoid 40 c is closed and valve 40 b is open to provide liquid at asecond lower pressure to the reservoir. This causes a lower flow rate atspray head 22 and an inner spray pattern. Optionally, both valves 40 band 40 c may be opened or closed at the same time to generate an evenlarger outer spray pattern or even smaller spray pattern, respectively.By opening and closing valves 40 b, 40 c alone and in combination,superior control of the spray patterns throughout a brewing cycle can beachieved.

Having described the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, we turn to theembodiment of FIG. 6, which is most similar to FIG. 1. Reference toportions of the illustration of FIG. 6 which are substantially similarto the equivalent of, or identical to those shown in FIG. 1 will bereferred to by the same reference number with the addition of the number2 as a prefix. For example, the beverage brewing apparatus is referredto as “210” in the embodiment of FIG. 6.

In embodiment of the disclosure shown in FIG. 6, the flow modifier 292includes at least two water level probes or sensors 242 a and 242 b, aswell as inlet line 214. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the sensor242 a is set at a refill liquid level within the reservoir 212. At thislevel, the sensor 242 a no longer contacts liquid 216 in the reservoir212 so that inlet solenoid 240 is caused by controller 244 to be opened.This causes pressurized liquid to enter the reservoir and fill it untilthe water level 262 reaches the second sensor 242 b which causes asignal to be generated and returned to control 244 to cause the inletsolenoid 240 to move to a closed position. The sensors 242 a and 242 band reservoir 212 and inlet 214 are calibrated and dimensioned so thatthe opening of inlet 214 during the brewing cycle causes the water levelin the reservoir to rise until it reaches the level of sensor 242 b.Preferably, the vent 36 and vent solenoid 52 is eliminated in theembodiment of FIG. 6, although they may be retained if greater flowcontrol is desired.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the spray pattern is altered by repeatedlyrefilling the reservoir during a brewing cycle so that a high flow ratewith associated outer spray pattern occurs when the head 268 is at amaximum depth and the valve 240 is open thereby supplying water underpressure to the reservoir 212. The minimum flow rate with associatedinner spray pattern occurs when the head 268 is at its minimum depthjust prior to the opening of the inlet solenoid 240. The embodiment ofFIG. 6 offers the advantage of requiring relatively inexpensivecomponents for constructing a flow modifier since inexpensive sensorsmay be used instead of relatively more expensive controlled valves.

The manner of operation of the embodiment of FIG. 7 is similar to thatof FIG. 6 in that the flow modification is due to repeated addition ofpressurized liquid and recharging of a water head 368 during a singlebrewing cycle. The embodiment of FIG. 7 differs from that of FIG. 6chiefly in that it utilizes a gravity fed water system in which a basin378 is positioned above the reservoir 312 to maintain a quantity ofwater to be used in the brewing cycle. The basin 378 has liquid inlet314 and an inlet solenoid 340 connected by control line 341 to control344. A control valve 380 is placed along the feed tube 382 whichsupplies pressurized water to liquid reservoir 312. The control valve380 is operably connected to controller 344 by control line 386. Thedepth 385 of liquid 384 in the basin 378 creates a basin head 381 thatsupplies water to the reservoir under pressure. Outlet conduit 318 ispreferably sized and dimensioned to be immersed within the reservoir toform a “siphon type” outlet, which eliminates the need for a valve ofthe outlet conduit 318.

In operation, upon initiation of a brewing cycle, inlet solenoid 340 isopened and a quantity of liquid is added to basin 378. When controlvalve 380 is opened, it causes the liquid level to rise within reservoir312 and to flow through outlet line 318. The flow rate through feed tube382 is greater than reservoir outlet line 318 so that a reservoir head368 is formed within the reservoir 312. The addition of pressurizedwater and deepening of the reservoir head 368 causes increased flowthrough the spray head 320. After a predetermined quantity of liquid isallowed to flow into the reservoir 312, control valve 380 is shut andliquid continues to flow from reservoir 312. As the flow continues, thedepth of head 368 is decreased so that the flow rate at the spray head320 is diminished and creates an inner spray pattern 374.

After a predetermined volume of liquid flows through outlet line 318,the control valve 380 is again opened and pressurized water enters thereservoir 312. The opening of valve 380 adds pressurized water to thereservoir, increases the pressure within the reservoir, and causes thewater level to rise thereby increasing the water depth and head 368.This in turn causes increased flow through the outlet line 318 andincreased liquid flow at spray head 320 which again forms an outer spraypattern 376. This cycle is preferably continued several times during asingle brewing cycle to facilitate mixture of the brewing substance.

FIG. 8 illustrates one preferred valve for use with the basin 378 shownin FIG. 7. Often space is at a premium between the basin and reservoirin many brewing apparatus so that an external valve 380 such as shown inFIG. 7 is not desirable. The valve illustrated in FIG. 8 is particularlywell suited for such applications. The valve assembly is of a pivot typewhich includes an actuator 387 and a plunger 388 which cover theaperature 393 of the feed tube 382. The lever 394 rests on and ispivotably coupled to pivot support 395. A first end 396 of lever 394 iscontacted by actuator 387 to cause lever first end 396 to rise and leversecond end 397 to be lowered thereby causing plunger 388 to cover andseal aperature 393 of tube 382. When actuator 387 is retracted, secondend 397 of lever 396 no longer covers aperature 393 and liquid may flowthrough tube 382 to the reservoir. Preferably, actuator 387 is operablylinked to lever first end 396 so that retraction of the actuator 387pulls lever first end 396 downwardly to drive lever second end 397 andplunger 388 upward. Alternatively, plunger may be made of a bouyantmaterial and the lever first end 396 may be merely make contact withfirst and 396, rather than being linked to it. In this way, plunger 388will float upwardly when not contacted by actuator 388 and lever 394respectively.

The applicant has provided description and figures which are intended asan illustration of certain embodiments of the invention, and are notintended to be construed as containing or implying limitation of theinvention to those embodiments. It will be appreciated that, althoughapplicant has described various aspects of the invention with respect tospecific embodiments, various alternatives and modifications will beapparent from the present disclosure which are within the spirit andscope of the present invention as set forth in the following claims.

1. An apparatus for brewing a beverage comprising: a resevoir capable ofbeing pressurized; a liquid conduit for supplying a brewing liquid fromthe resevoir; a liquid permeable container for retaining a brewingsubstance and allowing the brewed liquid to pass through; a spray memberfor delivering the brewing liquid from the liquid conduit to a brewingsubstance, the spray member discharging the brewing liquid into theliquid permeable container; a controllable liquid flow modifier forvarying the flow of liquid at the spray member to alter the discharge ofthe liquid from at least a first spray pattern to at least a secondspray pattern; and a controller operably connected to the liquid flowmodifier for causing the liquid flow modifier to vary the liquid flow atthe spray member.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatusfurther comprises a liquid reservoir operably connected to the liquidconduit, the liquid reservoir having a pressure relief vent for alteringthe pressure within the liquid reservoir.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2wherein the liquid flow modifier includes a controllable pressure reliefvent valve for controlling the air flow through the pressure reliefvent.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising a pressurized inletoperably connected to the controllable liquid flow modifier forselectively supplying liquid at pressure to the liquid reservoir.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 4 wherein the controllable liquid flow modifier alsoincludes the pressurized inlet, and wherein the pressurized inlet ismoved to an at least substantially closed position and the vent valve ismoved to an at least substantially open position to reduce the pressurewithin the liquid reservoir, liquid conduit and at the spray member toreduce the flow rate and cause a diminished spray pattern.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 4 wherein the controllable liquid flow modifier alsoincludes the pressurized inlet, and wherein the pressurized inlet ismoved to an at least substantially opened position in combination, withthe vent valve being moved to at least a substantially closed positionto cause an increased pressure within the liquid reservoir, liquidconduit and at the spray member to increase the flow rate at the spraymember and cause an enlarged spray pattern.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1wherein said liquid flow modifier is a liquid conduit valve for varyingthe flow of the liquid within the liquid conduit.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the liquid conduit valve includes an occluding memberand a flexible portion of the brewing liquid conduit, the occludingmember being operably associated with the flexible portion toselectively deform the flexible portion of the conduit to reduce theliquid flow rate at the spray member.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1further comprises a liquid reservoir, a liquid inlet for introducingwater to the reservoir and wherein the liquid flow modifier includes afirst water level sensor for detecting a first liquid head level, thewater inlet, and a second water level sensor for detecting a secondliquid head level within the reservoir for causing refilling of thereservoir, the first water level sensor and the second water levelsensor being positioned to cause repeated refilling of the reservoirduring a brewing cycle and thereby repeatedly varying the flow at thespray member to alter the discharge of liquid repeatedly from the atleast a first spray pattern to at least a second spray pattern.
 10. Amethod for brewing a beverage comprising the steps of: placing a brewingsubstance in a liquid permeable container; supplying a brewing liquid ata first flow rate to a spray member located proximate to the liquidpermeable container; spraying the brewing liquid into the liquidpermeable container containing the brewing substance in at least a firstspray pattern; generating a control signal for altering the flow rate ofthe brewing liquid at the spray member to at least a second flow rate;altering the flow rate of the liquid at the spray member to a secondflow rate in response to the control signal; spraying the liquid intothe liquid permeable container in at least a second spray pattern inresponse to the second flow rate to mix the brewing substance with thebrewing liquid within the liquid permeable container; and passing thebrewed liquid through the liquid permeable container into a receptacle.11. The method according to claim 10 wherein the mixing of the brewingsubstance includes repeatedly altering the flow rate between at firstflow rate and a second flow rate.
 12. The method according to claim 10wherein the step of spraying the liquid into the liquid permeablecontainer includes the step of increasing the flow rate at the spraymember so that the second spray pattern has a larger circumference thanthe first spray pattern.
 13. An apparatus for a beverage comprising: aresevoir capable of being pressurized; a liquid spraying means forspraying a brewing liquid from the reservoir into a brewing substance; aliquid supply means for supplying liquid to the liquid spraying means; acontainer means for retaining a brewing substance and allowing a brewedliquid to pass through; a control means for generating a signal tochange the flow of the brewing liquid at the liquid spraying means; andflow modifier means for varying the flow of the liquid at the liquidspraying means between at least a first flow associated with a firstspray pattern and a second flow associated with a second spray patternto facilitate mixing of the brewing liquid and brewing substance withinthe container means during the brewing process.
 14. An apparatus forbrewing a beverage comprising: a reservoir capable of being pressurizedfor a brewing liquid, the reservoir having an inlet and an outlet; aninlet valve for controlling the flow of brewing liquid into thereservoir; an outlet valve for controlling the flow of brewing liquidexiting the reservoir; a liquid conduit for supplying a brewing liquidfrom the reservoir outlet; a liquid permeable container for retaining abrewing substance and allowing the brewed liquid to pass through; aspray member for delivering the brewing liquid from the liquid conduitto the brewing substance, the spray member discharging the brewingliquid into the liquid permeable container; a controller operablyconnected to the inlet valve and outlet valve for causing the brewingliquid flow at the spray member to pulse.
 15. The apparatus according toclaim 14 wherein the controller includes an occluding device in theliquid conduit for repeatedly partially occluding the liquid conduit andcausing the brewing liquid flow at the spray member to pulse.
 16. Theapparatus according to claim 14 wherein the controller approximates thevolume of water dispensed through outlet valve and opens and closes theinlet valve and outlet valve for dispensing a desired amount of thebrewing liquid from the reservoir to the beverage brewing substance. 17.An apparatus for brewing a beverage comprising: a reservoir for abrewing liquid, the reservoir having an inlet, an outlet and a ventline; an inlet valve at the inlet for controlling the flow of brewingliquid into the reservoir; an outlet valve at the outlet for controllingthe flow of brewing liquid exiting the reservoir; an adjustable ventvalve operably connected to the vent line, the adjustable vent valveadjusting the flow of gas through the vent line and controlling thepressure within the reservoir; a liquid conduit for supplying a brewingliquid from the reservoir outlet; a liquid permeable container forretaining a brewing substance and allowing the brewed liquid to passthrough; a spray member for delivering the brewing liquid from theliquid conduit to the brewing substance, the spray member dischargingthe brewing liquid into the liquid permeable container; a controlleroperably connected to the vent valve for causing the brewing liquid flowat the spray member to increase or decrease.
 18. The apparatus accordingto claim 17 wherein the spray member is operable to provide a pluralityof spray patterns.
 19. The apparatus according to claim 18 wherein thespray patterns include an initial spray pattern, an inner spray patternand an outer spray pattern.
 20. The apparatus according to claim 19wherein the controller is operable to increase or decrease the flow atthe spray member to expand the pattern to the outer spray pattern. 21.The apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the controller is operableto close the vent valve to expand the pattern to the outer spraypattern.
 22. An apparatus for brewing a beverage comprising: a reservoirfor a brewing liquid, the reservoir having an inlet, an outlet and avent line; an inlet valve at the inlet for controlling the flow ofbrewing liquid into the reservoir; an outlet valve at the outlet forcontrolling the flow of brewing liquid exiting the reservoir; anadjustable vent valve operably connected to the vent line, theadjustable vent valve adjusting the flow of gas through the vent lineand controlling the pressure within the reservoir; a liquid conduit forsupplying a brewing liquid from the reservoir outlet; a liquid permeablecontainer for retaining a brewing substance and allowing the brewedliquid to pass through; a spray member for delivering the brewing liquidfrom the liquid conduit to the brewing substance, the spray memberdischarging the brewing permeable container; a controller operablyconnected to the adjustable vent valve and inlet valve for causing thebrewing liquid flow at the spray member to increase or decrease.
 23. Theapparatus according to claim 22 wherein the spray member is operable toprovide a plurality of spray patterns.
 24. The apparatus according toclaim 23 wherein the spray patterns include an initial spray pattern, aninner spray pattern and an outer spray pattern.
 25. The apparatusaccording to claim 24 wherein the controller is operable to increase ordecrease the flow at the spray member to expand the pattern to the outerspray pattern.
 26. An apparatus for brewing a beverage comprising: areservoir for a brewing liquid, the reservoir having an inlet, an outletand a vent line; an inlet valve at the inlet for controlling the flow ofbrewing liquid into the reservoir; an outlet valve at the outlet forcontrolling the flow of brewing liquid exiting the reservoir; anadjustable vent valve operably connected to the vent line, theadjustable vent valve adjusting the flow of gas through the vent lineand controlling the pressure within the reservoir; a liquid conduit forsupplying a brewing liquid from the reservoir outlet; a liquid permeablecontainer for retaining a brewing substance and allowing the brewedliquid to pass through; a spray member for delivering the brewing liquidfrom the liquid conduit to the brewing substance, the spray memberdischarging the brewing liquid into the liquid permeable container; acontroller operably connected to the adjustable vent valve, inlet valveand outlet valve for causing the brewing liquid flow at the spray memberto increase or decrease.
 27. The apparatus according to claim 26 whereinthe a liquid permeable container is a filter and the controller adjuststhe discharge of liquid to wash brewing substance away from the filterwhile not collapsing an upper rim of the filter.
 28. The apparatusaccording to claim 27 wherein the controller varies the flow at thespray member to alter the discharge of liquid repeatedly whereby thebrewing substance is agitated.
 29. The apparatus according to claim 28wherein the controller varies the flow at the spray member to alter thedischarge of liquid repeatedly whereby the brewing substance isagitated.
 30. The apparatus according to claim 26 wherein the level ofthe brewing liquid in the reservoir is controllable to vary from amaximum level above the outlet to a level at the outlet.
 31. Theapparatus according to claim 30 wherein the controller varies the flowat the spray member to achieve an outer spray pattern by adjusting levelof the brewing liquid to the maximum level above the outlet and openingthe inlet valve.
 32. An apparatus for brewing a beverage comprising: areservoir for a brewing liquid, the reservoir having a first inlet, asecond inlet, an outlet and a vent line; a first inlet valve at thefirst inlet for controlling the flow of brewing liquid into thereservoir; a second inlet valve at the second inlet for controlling theflow of brewing liquid into the reservoir; an outlet valve at the outletfor controlling the flow of brewing liquid exiting the reservoir; anadjustable vent valve operably connected to the vent line, theadjustable vent valve adjusting the flow of gas through the vent lineand controlling the pressure within the reservoir; a liquid conduit forsupplying a brewing liquid from the reservoir outlet; a liquid permeablecontainer for retaining a brewing substance and allowing the brewedliquid to pass through; a spray member for delivering the brewing liquidfrom the liquid conduit to the brewing substance, the spray memberdischarging the brewing permeable container; a controller operablyconnected to the adjustable vent valve, first inlet valve, second inletvalve and outlet valve for causing the brewing liquid flow at the spraymember to increase or decrease.
 33. The apparatus according to claim 32wherein the controller varies the flow at the spray member by adjustingthe first and second inlet valves to repeatedly alter the discharge ofliquid from the spray member.